Oil Patch

The Edmonton Oilers are bad, really bad, so bad that they are quite literally the laughing stock of the NHL. But it shouldn’t be that way. They should be able to block shots, they should be able to play together as a team but the most glaring issue with the team seems to be their ability to stick together, to play together, and to be a team.

Jason Gregor from TSN 1260 and Oilers Nation has penned a very telling piece on the team’s struggles:

They don't play for another. They don't protect one another. They aren't willing to do whatever it takes to win for each other. And when a team doesn't have that, they are doomed.

The players have to be unified, even if the other team has more talent. If they don't believe in each other and aren't willing to defend one another this team will never win. They will never become competitive.

Taylor Hall is out. Again. But of course, early in the season. This injury is not a statement about Taylor Hall’s health, athleticism or work ethic; this is about the Edmonton Oiler’s ability to fill in their roster.

The Edmonton Oilers sent another five players to their AHL affiliate team the Oklahoma City Barons Monday. Sent down were Martin Gernat (D), Curtis Hamilton (LW), Kale Kessey (LW), Iiro Pakarinen (RW), and Jason Williams (C). Why is this good news? It means that the Oilers feel confident enough in their defence that there is no need to rush Martin Gernat through the system and have him play in the NHL just quite yet.

The reigning Memorial Cup champions, the Edmonton Oil Kings packed the house at Rexall Place with a record breaking 11,024 in attendance, the most ever recorded for a home opener. Led by a handful of veterans, and a new WHL head coach the Oil Kings opened their 2014-15 season with a 4-2 victory over the visiting Kootenay Ice.

Edmonton Oiler’s head coach Dallas Eakins addressed the media Thursday afternoon expressing his concern that at this point, the team only has two NHL centremen. Finally, a coach that sees it and says it like it is. It’s not that the team doesn’t have a few options down the centre, but most are young and inexperienced and likely to gain more from another year of seasoning in the AHL with the Oklahoma City Barons than another year of struggles and losses with the Oilers.

The Edmonton Oil Kings had a prime opportunity, they could have taken the WHL best of 7 series in 6 games, and won the championship at home. Instead, the Oil Kings let an early 3 goal lead slip away, losing in overtime. Now, the series shifts to game seven in Portland, where the Winterhawks will be ready.

For the third year in a row, the Edmonton Oil Kings have taken the WHL Eastern Conference by storm. Breezing through their first 3 playoff rounds, the Oil Kings have looked stronger than ever. But ultimately, the Oil Kings face their toughest competition, the Portland Winterhawks. Again. The teams have split the first two matchups with neither team having much success at the Memorial Cup, so this year is it’s anyone’s series.

It was with only a few tears that Ryan Smyth announced that he was coming back for 6 years, followed of course by his real announcement that his career as an NHLer had come to a close. With fond memories of how he got his start, Smyth says goodbye to playing every day (at least for now) and gives us the impression that he is open to a career of some kind in the hockey world, but only after he takes a year to be with his family.

The Edmonton Oilers have announced a 2pm media address. All signs point to this being the Ryan Smyth retirement announcement. While this isn’t surprising, it will be an emotional time for many Oilers’ fans and of course, Smyth himself.

Being an Edmonton Oilers' blog, I know you wouldn't expect to see much about or from Calgary here, but this was too heartwarming not to share. For the unaware, or those who may have forgotten, southern Alberta was hit with devastating flooding in the summer of 2013, and many are still affected and out of their homes in High River. Black Diamond is a nearby town with a big heart. The following story is quite touching.

About Oil Patch

Lisa McRitchie is a fairly new writer, online at least, but makes up for inexperience with passion for the game of hockey and memories of Mrs. Leskiw’s English AP class; who knew they would pay off one day.

Oil Patch focuses on the Edmonton Oilers, the Edmonton Oil Kings, The Oklahoma City Barons and Team Canada Hockey with game coverage, news updates, speculation and interviews.

Although the Oilers have had a difficult past decade… or three, here at Oil Patch, the future looks bright.